Best of Egypt, Jordan and Israel

Explore ancient sights and lost cities in a region that has seen centuries of human history. In Egypt, discover what adventures lie along the Nile, like the Great Pyramids of Giza. Head to Jordan to overnight in a Bedouin tent amidst dramatic desert scenery. See ancient Petra and relax in the Dead Sea. Explore the historic towns of Jerusalem and Nazareth, then check out modern and bustling Tel Aviv. Thousands of incredible moments, one comprehensive trip.

What's Included

Your Local Living Moment: Felucca Sail to Nubian Village with Traditional Meal, Aswān
Your Discover Moment: Aswān
Your Local Living Moment: Lunch with a Local Family, Luxor
Your Local Living Moment: Bedouin Camp Overnight, Wadi Rum
Your Local Living Moment: Druze Village Visit and Traditional Lunch , Isfiya Druze Village. Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx entrance and guided tour. Egyptian Museum entrance and guided tour. Free time in Aswan. Felucca Overnight Sailing Excursion with support boat for toilet/showers. Kom Ombo Temple visit. Karnak Temple visit. Free time in Luxor. Colossi of Memnon Visit. Temple of Hatshepsut and Valley of the Kings visit. All entrance fees to included monuments. Overnight sleeper train to Cairo. Flights from Luxor to Cairo to Amman. Tel Aviv city tour including Old Port of Jaffa. Akko, Nazareth and Bethlehem visits. Sea of Galilee and Golan Heights tours. Guided tour of UNESCO World Heritage Site of Masada. Jerusalem sightseeing including the Western Wall and Holy Sepulcher Church. Jerash entrance and guided tour. Dead Sea visit. Madaba mosaics guided tour. Mt Nebo entrance. Karak Castle guided tour. Petra day pass and local guide. Wadi Rum jeep excursion. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Highlights

Spend the night on a felucca, explore ancient temples and monuments, gaze at the pyramids and mysterious Sphinx, relax in the Dead Sea, camp overnight in the desert, visit the ancient rock-cut city of Petra, explore the biblical towns of Nazareth and Bethlehem, wander through the streets of Old Jerusalem.

Dossier Disclaimer

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERYIMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Itinerary Disclaimer

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Important Notes

RAMADAN
According to the lunar cycle, Ramadan will fall between May 5th and June 4th, 2019. Please note that Ramadan is a month of fasting observed by Muslims throughout the world, during which time the followers of Islam should not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. There may be some limitations to services and disruptions to schedules during Ramadan, but generally our tours still operate effectively during this period and food is available to non-Muslims throughout the day. It is very important to display increased cultural sensitivity during Ramadan. Please wear loose fitting clothes, that cover knees and shoulders, and try to avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public out of respect for those who can’t at that time.

COMBOTRIPS
Please note that this trip is part of a combination of multiple tours. As such, the CEO, staff and/or particular vehicles operating your tour may change between tour segments. You may also expect some group members to join or leave the tour, between tour segments.

Group Leader Description

This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting – we think it’s the best of both worlds.

Group Size Notes

Max 15, avg 10

Meals Included

21 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 5 dinners

Meals

Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other’s company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. The above information applies to G Adventures group trips. For Independent trips please check the itinerary for details of meals included. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.

All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.

Domestic carriers for internal flights in Egypt will be Egypt Air or Nile Air. Flight information will not be available until a couple of days prior to the tour departure.

The domestic flight maximum weight allowance is 20 kg.

Solo Travellers

We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

On this trip you can expect to stay in small local hotels or pensions (with the exception of the start and finish hotels, which are often larger city hotels), which will vary a little in standard and facilities: some may not have elevators, air-conditioning or English-speaking staff, but most importantly all are locally-run and in excellent central locations to give you maximum time for exploring the sights.

If this is your first visit to Cairo, we highly recommend that you book an airport transfer. Unfortunately there are quite a number of scams and rackets waiting to greet new arrivals, and they begin at the airport.

We recommend that you exit the airport before finding a taxi and negotiate directly with the driver. Official airport taxis cost approximately 250 to 280 EGP but you should be able to find a regular taxi to take you for between 150 to 200 EGP (approx USD 17-20). The drive can take anywhere between 20 minutes and 1 hour depending on the time of day and subsequent traffic conditions. Taxis do not have meters and you should expect to bargain with the driver and make sure you fix a price before you get into the car and set off. Do not pay more than the agreed price (unless it is a small tip for good service).

There will also be “limosine” service available which will inevitably cost more.

If you have paid in advance for an arrival transfer, a G Adventures representative will be at the airport to meet you holding a G Adventures sign with your name on it. They will meet you inside the airport before immigration as they are all licensed airport representatives. There could be many signs at this rendezvous point, so please check carefully for your name.
If for any reason you are not met at the airport, please call our local support line. If you are unable to make contact for whatever reason, please make your way to the joining point hotel via taxi. Unfortunately there have been cases of people mis representing themselves as G Adventures representatives. Please check that your driver knows your name and the hotel you are going to. If in doubt ask them to ring their manager to confirm your transfer.

Please note that Day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned for that day other then your welcome meeting in the evening, so you can arrive at any time.

A G Adventures Representative will organize a short meeting soon after arrival, during which you will meet other tour participants and receive information about general and specific aspects of the trip. A welcome note will be left for you in the hotel so you have all the necessary information regarding the meeting time. If you arrive late, s/he will leave you a message detailing what time and where you should meet the next morning.

Arrival Complications

We don’t expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier and contact us as soon as possible. If you have a pre-booked transfer, and you have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.

Emergency Contact

Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the G Adventures Local Representative (if one is listed below) or our G Adventures Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

AIRPORTTRANSFER
If you have purchased an arrival through G Adventures or if an arrival transfer is included in the cost of your tour, please note that:

Your arrival transfer has been arranged based on flight information provided to us. If you are advised of a flight schedule change within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, we will do our best to rearrange your arrival transfer however we cannot guarantee this. If your arrival transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes after you have exited the arrivals area please take a taxi to your start point hotel.

We are able to organize extra accommodation post-trip should you require it. Please enquire at the time of booking.

What to Take

We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage.

It is important to pack clothes for warm to hot days and cool evenings. A set of smart casual clothes is also advisable.

Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.

Visas and Entry Requirements

All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your own responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. Visa requirements for your trip will vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as far as possible, but rules do change and sometimes without warning. While we provide the following information in good faith, it is vital that you check yourself and understand that you are fully responsible for your own visa requirements.

Egypt:
Many nationalities including all Western European and Arab countries, USA, Australia and New Zealand are able to obtain a one-month single entry visa on arrival at Cairo International airport or at the Egyptian land border. On arrival if you plan to purchase an entry visa you must pay in cash. You will have the option of paying with US Dollars (USD), the British Pound (GBP) or in Euro’s (EUR). The visa fee is 25 USD or the equivalent to your currency.

IMPORTANTNOTE
Egyptian pounds and credit cards are not accepted as payment methods when obtaining your Egyptian entry visa. Please bring USD, GBP or EUR in cash to pay for visa. Look for windows (marked “banks”) selling these visas in the area where you line up to have your passport stamped. You need to get the visa before entering the passport line. The visa is a sticker which you need to stick into your passport before handing it to the authorities for stamping.

Please note that for other nationalities it is necessary to organize your visa before you travel. It is vital that you check the conditions attached to your particular passport and make the necessary arrangements in advance.

EGYPT E-VISA

Egypt now has the Egypt Online Visa, or Egypt e-Visa, a new electronic travel authorization system for citizens of eligible countries wishing to travel to Egypt for tourism. An e-Visa for Egypt can be obtained through an online application without the need to visit the embassy. The following nationalities are eligible for the Egypt e-Visa:

Eligible applicants can apply for the e-Visa from this link:
https://visa2egypt.gov.eg/eVisa/FAQ?VISTK=UN26-IRWS-H69H-5I6P-LZF5-56RD-42VB-34YV-FI27-G78U-PNJ9-L44Y-M0L9-3I3C-ARKT-XYTP

The e-Visa for Egypt is a single or multiple-entry visa, allowing its allowing its holder to visit the country for a maximum duration of 30 days. It is valid to use for a period of 3 months and eligible for travellers wishing to Egypt for tourism purposes.

Jordan:
Jordan visa can be obtained on arrival at land and airport borders for most nationalities for a fee of 40 JOD. While most travellers are not required to obtain their visa in advance, there are exceptions and you must check the requirements of your particular passport. While we provide this information in good faith, your visa is your responsibility. When departing Jordan by land then you will be required to pay an 8 JOD departure tax .

Israel and Palestinian Territories:
Most tourists to Israel and the Palestinian Territories will be issued a free visa, on arrival valid for 90 days, at air and land borders. Known exceptions to this are India, Singapore and many African countries. Please double check the requirements in relation to the passport you travel on.
Usually your entry and visa will not be stamped into your passport, but onto a separate piece of paper.

Please note: Egypt and Jordan have a peace agreement with Israel which allows travellers to cross boarders between these countries; having an Israeli stamp in your passport will not affect your ability to travel to Egypt or Jordan.

If you are planning to enter Israel via land from Egypt or Jordan, the exit stamps from these neighbouring countries will indicate that you have visited Israel. Even without an Israeli visa in your passport, these stamps will impact your ability to use the same passport to travel to Syria Lebanon, Iraq, Iran, Saudi, Libya and Yemen.

Spending Money

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

Money Exchange

EGYPT: The currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP).

ATMs are found within main cities in Egypt and will generally accept cards on the Visa and Mastercard networks.

JORDAN: The currency in Jordan is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD).

ATMs are found within main cities in Jordan and will generally accept cards on the Visa and Mastercard networks.

ISRAEL: The currency in Israel is the Israeli Shekel (NIS).

ATMs are found widely in Israel and will generally accept cards on the Visa and Mastercard networks. While this is the best way to get the majority of your money in Israel, and the vast majority of Cirrus network cards work fine, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will work in the Middle East. Check with your bank before travelling.

General:
It is a great idea to travel with both a Visa and Mastercard if at all possible as while there is no hard and fast rule, some banks seem to only work with one brand of card. Please note, your bank will change a fee for overseas withdrawals.

Credit cards are accepted by most larger restaurants and stores. You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5-10% usually applies.
Cash advances can also be made with some banks.
Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money.
Cash is recommended for times when ATMs are not accessible. Euros and US Dollars are all easy to exchange to local currency.
Travellers cheques can be tricky to exchange and we do not recommend that you use them as your primary source of funds.
In large cities you can exchange them in some 5-star hotels and banks but this takes time and incurs a high fee. Thomas Cook or American Express travellers cheques in US or Euro currencies are the easiest to exchange.

Always take more funds rather than less, as you don’t want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.

Note that almost all local purchases (meals, souvenirs, most optional activities, etc) will be paid for in local currencies.

Emergency Fund

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an ‘emergency’ fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

Departure Tax

Included in airline tickets but there may be departure taxes if you are exiting at a land border.

Please note there is a Departure tax for Exiting Jordan overland of 10JOD cash. As well, you will take a shuttle bus service between Jordan and Israel, the cost is 7 JOD per person and 2 JOD per bag cash.

Tipping

Tipping is a way of life in the Middle East. Locals themselves will usually tip anyone who provides them with services. In many cases, people depend on the tips they receive to supplement the low salary and wages of the Middle East region. While on tour in the Middle East, it is customary and even expected to tip small service providers such as restaurant and bar waiters, hotel staff, reception, cleaning personnel, bell boys, taxis and van drivers. Tips are regarded as an essential means of supplementing income for those working in the tourism industry.

To make things as easy as possible and avoid embarrassing situations, G Adventures has developed a tipping kitty system where your CEO will collect a contribution from everybody at the start of your tour and use this kitty to tip anybody who has provided services to the group as a whole. A guideline for tipping is about $5-10 USD per day, depending on the quality of the service (this does not include your G Adventures CEO). On Day 1 of your tour, your CEO will be able to advise on the amount required from everybody to form the tipping kitty for your trip. You can pay in USD or the equivalent local currency (preferably local currency). The CEO will be able to advise you on the exchange rate and the total required in either currency.

If at any time you feel that any service provider failed in maintaining or delivering good service, please bring it immediately to the attention of your CEO so a deduction of tips can take place.

If you felt that your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is also expected and appreciated. The precise amount is entirely a personal preference, however $35-40 USD per person per week can be used as a general guideline.

Optional Activities

Optional activity descriptions and approximate pricing can be found on the day by day itinerary.

Health

There are no specific health requirements for this trip. However, we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, infectious hepatitis and polio. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit, hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities for some time during this trip, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc.

Safety and Security

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government’s advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers’ cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelery at home – you won’t need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it deemed necessary, due to safety concerns. Your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy and explore at your leisure. While your CEO will assist you with options available in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards), have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our CEOs to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).

Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk. Read more about travel safety for ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling.

A Couple of Rules

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. G Adventures can provide you with the appropriate coverage. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

Planeterra-The G Adventures Foundation

The Planeterra Foundation planeterra.org is a Canadian non-profit organization that helps empower local people to develop their communities, conserve their cultures, and create humane and supportive systems for their endeavours. Planeterra provides capacity building and catalyst grants to get community social enterprises off the ground. These businesses address local challenges by providing benefits for indigenous people, empowering marginalized women, and granting disadvantaged youth access to education, employment, and brighter futures. Planeterra also works to ensure these businesses have a thriving customer base by integrating programs into G Adventures’ itineraries globally.

G Adventures is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs so 100% of your donation will bring opportunity to people in need.

Dollar-a-Day Program
G Adventures’ Dollar-a-Day Program provides travellers with the opportunity to give back to the people and places visited on our tours by donating one dollar for every day you are on trip. 100% of these donations go directly to support community development projects worldwide that are implemented by Planeterra.

Feedback

After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we’ll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at customerservice@gadventures.com and we will send it on to you.

Newsletter

Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from G Adventures, subscribe at www.gadventures.com/newsletters/

Stay current on how our company invests in our global community through our foundation – Planeterra. Sign up for Planeterra’s monthly news to learn more about how to give back and support the people and places we love to visit.

Minimum Age

You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

International Flights

Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

Max Pax

PRODUCT_LINE: DPCT, ID: 24805

Itinerary

Day 1: Cairo

There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.

Additional Notes:
If this is your first visit to Cairo, we highly recommend that you book an airport transfer.

Included Activities:
Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting

Day 2: Cairo/Aswān (1B, 1D)

Head straight to the pyramids and soak in the history of these majestic structures. Later, visit the Egyptian Museum to see more ancient artifacts.

In the evening, board an overnight train to Aswan. The overnight train is a modern air-conditioned sleeper, with twin-berth beds. There is no shower in the cabin, but each cabin does have a sink. The shared toilet is at the end of each carriage. A basic airline-style tray meal for dinner and breakfast is included. Attendants can serve drinks in your compartment at extra cost or there is a bar car for socializing.

Included Activities:
Great Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx Tour
Egyptian Museum Visit

Transport:
Overnight train (beds) (12.00 hour(s))

Day 3: Aswān (1B, 1D)

Our train is due to arrive in Aswan early in the morning, but, trains can often be delayed. Enjoy some free time in the morning to browse the souk or walk along the Nile.

Later, board a felucca (local boat) to reach Elephantine Island and visit a Nubian village. Walk around the small community, then enjoy a traditional dinner at a local home.

Included Activities:
Felucca Sail to Nubian Village with Traditional Meal

Day 4: Aswān (1B)

One of the most fascinating sights in the area is the Temple of Abu Simbel. Later, opt for a half-day tour of the Unfinished Obelisk, High Dam, and Philae Temple. Visit the modern Nubian Museum to learn more about Aswan’s local people.

Day 5: Aswān/Kom Ombo (1B, 1L, 1D)

Board the felucca and spend the rest of the day out on the river and a night under the stars.

Feluccas are a basic, traditional Nile sailboat and make for an extremely relaxing and enjoyable way to travel down the river. You sleep, open-air on the deck of the boat (mattresses and blankets are provided, but if you prefer something between you and the blankets, you will need to bring a sleep sheet/sleeping bag liner of your own). The Felucca itself does not have toilets or showers, however we will have access to a private support boat, travelling in close proximity to our Felucca. This support boat is equipped with toilets and a shower (please bring a towel) and and an area to eat your meals, leaving you stress free to enjoy this tranquil and traditional experience on the Nile.

Day 7: Luxor (1B, 1L)

Cross to the West Bank. Visit the massive 18m (59ft)-high Colossi of Memnon, which is all that remains of an ancient temple. Descend down the narrow corridors and check out the tombs of the pharaohs at the Valley of the Kings. The Funerary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut literally seems to rise out of the surrounding limestone outcrops.

Enjoy lunch with a local family on the West bank of the Nile and then explore Luxor at your own pace.

Included Activities:
Colossi of Memnon Visit
Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut, and Colossi of Memnon Visit
Lunch with a Local Family

Transport:
Private Vehicle

Day 8: Luxor/Amman (1B)

You will not be accompanied by a CEO on the flight between Cairo and Amman. Say goodbye to your Egyptian CEO at the Cairo Airport, where our local rep will assist you in catching the flight. Upon landing you will meet our Jordanian rep at the Amman airport who will assist with immigration and visas. After transfer to the hotel where your Jordanian CEO will meet you.

Included Activities:
Border Crossing (Egypt – Jordan)

Transport:
Plane (1.00 hour(s))
Plane (1.25 hour(s))

Day 9: Amman/Jerash/Dead Sea/Amman (1B)

Set off on a half-day trip to Jerash, a fascinating site and one of the largest and most well-preserved Roman ruins outside Italy.

Continue on to the Dead Sea. Known for its high salinity, opt to bob like a cork in the healing water or cover yourself in therapeutic mud. There is also the option to visit the site of Jesus’ baptism.

Day 11: Petra (1B)

The site is large so please be prepared for a lot of walking over sand and rocks for the entire day. Pace yourself, stay hydrated and be sure to have proper walking/hiking shoes.

Included Activities:
Petra Guided Tour

Day 12: Petra/Wadi Rum (1B, 1D)

Drive to Wadi Rum, a vast, silent landscape of ancient riverbeds and the largest and most magnificent of Jordan’s desert landscapes. Head deep into the desert by 4×4 stopping at famous landmarks along the way.

Arrive to the tented camp in time for a traditional meal and learn more about this ancient culture. There is a large, central tent that is traditionally decorated and perfect for relaxing or escaping the cold nights in winter. Our dinner is prepared in traditional fashion, with the meat and vegetables cooked in an underground oven. Soft drinks and water are available for purchase. Lanterns light the way but we do suggest you bring a flashlight.

Additional Notes:
Accommodation in the desert is in one large goat-hair tent divided into “rooms” with curtains. Basic linens are provided but many travellers prefer to bring a sleep sheet for extra comfort. There are shared, unisex facilities. For religious reasons, no alcohol is permitted at the camp.

Included Activities:
Wadi Rum 4×4 Excursion
Bedouin Camp Overnight

Transport:
Drive time doesn’t include stops in the gorgeous desert along the way.
Private Vehicle (2.00 hour(s))

Day 13: Wadi Rum/Aqaba (1B)

Drive to the Red Sea resort city of Aqaba. Enjoy free time to enjoy the beach, go snorkelling or check out the city. Make sure to try some fresh seafood for dinner.

Transport:
Private Vehicle (1.00 hour(s))

Day 14: Aqaba/Amman (1B)

The morning is flexible. Spend a little more time at the beach or head back early. Reach Amman by way of the Desert Highway. Enjoy a final night out in the city.

Transport:
Private Vehicle (4.00 hour(s))

Day 15: Amman/Jerusalem (1B)

You will have one CEO in Israel and one in Jordan. In this case you will be transferred to the border and cross over unescorted to Israel – either on your own or with any other travellers who are continuing on for the Israel portion of the tour. You will be met on the Israel side of the border and transferred to Tel Aviv, where there is free time to relax until the welcome meeting with your new CEO in the evening. See the “Detailed Trip Notes” section of the Tour Details page for helpful instructions on crossing the Israeli-Jordanian border.

Additional Notes:
Please remember that Israel and Jordan are very different Countries, in terms of culture, daily way of life and infrastructure. The best part of travel is gaining insight into these difference and keeping an open mind.

Day 16: Jerusalem (1B)

Explore the old city of Jerusalem, walking through the Muslim and Jewish quarters. Visit the Western Wall and walk along the Via Dolorosa to the Holy Sepulchre Church. Enjoy the afternoon free to explore on our own.

Included Activities:
Old Jerusalem Walking Tour – Classic

Day 17: Jerusalem/Negev Desert (1B, 1D)

Travel to biblical Bethlehem and visit the Church of the Nativity before heading to Duhaishe Camp for Palestinian refugees. What started as a camp has become a thriving town and here we learn more about the situation of the Palestinians in Israel and what daily life here is all about.